Minister’s inaction could lead to sale of Connolly Barracks – Troy

Longford / Westmeath Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has called on the Minister for Defence to stop dragging his feet on the issue of Connolly Barracks.

Deputy Troy said: “The Minister has completely dodged the issue of Connolly Barracks in the Dáil today. There is a comprehensive plan that has been put together by Longford County Council. This would see the barracks remain in state hands and not sold off at the bottom of the market. The whole community in Longford could also benefit from this plan.

“Longford County Council is waiting for a response from the Department of Defence on its proposal which was quite detailed and included the creation of five zones of development in Longford focusing on an education centre and tourism, arts and crafts facilities.”

“It is simply irresponsible of the Minister to abdicate responsibility on this issue. The Department of Defence owns the land and a resolution to this issue has been put forward. The facts of this are simple. Despite repeated questioning in the Dáil today the Minister refused to accept that it is his Department that can and must act to move this process on.”

“I will continue to pursue this issue of behalf of the people in Longford with the Minister and I would urge him to ensure an early decision can be made on Connolly Barracks and that the site is not sold off as many people fear may happen,” concluded Deputy Troy.